Throughout Mustang Monthly's long history, we've shown how to do all kinds of interior restoration. Yet, in all that time, we've never had a professional show us the way to exceptional carpet replacement. Jeff Lilly of Jeff Lilly Restorations in San Antonio is going to show us how to achieve professional results without having to hire a professional.
Jeff will tell you that patience and attention to detail are the most important tools you can have in your arsenal. It is best to take your time and be methodical in your approach. Cover all neighboring surfaces to protect against tool damage and trim adhesive overspray. And when it comes to trimming the carpet, here's a good rule of thumb-measure twice, check twice, cut once. And most of all, don't be in a hurry.
Floorpans need to be hospital...
Floorpans need to be hospital clean for good underlayment and sound deadening adhesion. Here, Jeff has used a good epoxy primer for corrosion resistance.
For a quieter ride, we're...
For a quieter ride, we're installing Dynamat sound deadening underneath our '66 Mustang's new carpet from Auto Custom Carpets. The Dynamat pieces are carefully cut to fit on top of flat surfaces to deaden road boom and rattle.
Here's what you're going to...
Here's what you're going to need for a professional-style carpet installation-a sharp knife, roller, and speed tape.
A straight edge gets the job...
A straight edge gets the job done with unfailing accuracy. Then peel and stick the Dynamat for professional results.
Dynamat is positioned and...
Dynamat is positioned and pressed into place. Sound absorption will make this '66 Mustang hardtop quieter than ever.
Dynamat installation is complete,...
Dynamat installation is complete, with speed tape used at all gaps. Dynamat also protects the floorpan from water leaks.
Dynaliner, which comes in...
Dynaliner, which comes in different thicknesses, is laid over the Dynamat to completely shut exterior noise out.....
....It gives a classic Mustang...
....It gives a classic Mustang a quiet ride like a 2010 Mustang.
Check out the Dynaliner topcoat...
Check out the Dynaliner topcoat that has been cut to fit our '66 Mustang floorpan......
....Jeff Lilly Restorations...
....Jeff Lilly Restorations has the Dynaliner perfectly butted up against the firewall pad.
Here, the rear carpet has...
Here, the rear carpet has been positioned and tucked in place. This in itself can be challenging because not all molded carpet is going to be easy to fit. Jeff suggests the use of a heat gun to mold the carpet to your floorpan.
Use a new razor blade for...
Use a new razor blade for carpet trimming. A dull blade will drive you nuts and fail to accomplish a precision cut.
Use 3M's Super Trim Adhesive...
Use 3M's Super Trim Adhesive spray on both the Dynaliner and carpet backing. Allow to tack off (become sticky), then press into place. A cool thing about Super Trim Adhesive is its forgiving nature. You can pull up the carpet and try again. Jeff uses a spray gun, however, Super Trim Adhesive is available in cans from your favorite automotive supply store.
One of the most challenging...
One of the most challenging spots is the driveline tunnel. Cut a slot to make it easier to follow. Don't cut too much. This is especially important if you're going to install a console.
Don't forget wiring while...
Don't forget wiring while you're laying carpet. Areas to be mindful of are transmission shift indicator and taillight harness. Make sure you know where it all is before laying down the carpet.
Front carpet goes in next...
Front carpet goes in next and is trimmed to match the rear carpet. This is where you want to check alignment between the two before cutting.
The driveline tunnel is fitted...
The driveline tunnel is fitted and cut to form as shown. This is one of the hardest areas to get right because not all molded carpet is going to fit easily. Notice how Jeff has protected everything with plastic. No one wants to have to repaint a dashboard because trim adhesive spattered on fresh paint. Jeff goes to extraordinary lengths to make sure it doesn't have to be done over again.
Here's how to know if your...
Here's how to know if your carpet is perfectly centered. Here, Jeff marks a datum line at the shifter to achieve dead center perfection.
Trim adhesive is sprayed on...
Trim adhesive is sprayed on both carpet and Dynaliner, then allowed to tack off before the carpet is pressed into place.
Carpet is formed into place,...
Carpet is formed into place, then the perimeter is checked for proper fit. The area under the dashboard where carpet meets firewall pad can be very challenging.
Your fist is the best carpet-forming...
Your fist is the best carpet-forming tool when it's time to press everything into place. You want carpeting to accurately follow every contour of the floorpan without lumps, bumps, and wrinkles.
Once carpeting is pressed...
Once carpeting is pressed into place, we're ready for trimming with a sharp razor knife. The carpet should rise to the top of the rocker panel with the end flush. This is where you cut...
Use a heat gun to get rid...
Use a heat gun to get rid of wrinkles and puckers.
Trim the carpet where the...
Trim the carpet where the firewall pad will lie over the top of your carpet. Be careful because too much is too much.
For items like the headlight...
For items like the headlight dimmer switch, start your cut with a slot and check fit before cutting around the switch.
This is how your firewall...
This is how your firewall pad and carpet should look, which is exactly how the factory did it.
Our carpet installation is...
Our carpet installation is complete, including speed tape or duct tape along the rocker panels to protect wiring and keep carpet secure for sill plate installation.